Alabama Nurse Practitioner Certification

An NP in the state of Alabama
is also called a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP). You
cannot practice in Alabama without obtaining both state and national
certification.

In Alabama, you can pursue one of a variety of paths to obtain
your NP certification. At a minimum, you must complete a master’s-level
nursing program. Thus, after becoming a licensed RN, you must at least
successfully complete a 2-year NP program. In addition, you can choose
to earn a doctorate as a NP.

You may earn your schooling in a traditional university or college or
by completing an NP program online. Some schools that offer accredited
online programs include: Graceland University, Liberty University, Philadelphia University, Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing, South University, and University of Cincinnati.
Online NP programs deliver curriculum that is equivalent to
campus-based teaching; and because clinic hours are required, clinical
internships are arranged at locations that are convenient to students.
Many RNs choose to pursue their NP certification by using online
programs, which allows them the needed flexibility to continue working
as RNs while working on their degrees. You may choose to follow an
accelerated program to earn your certification more quickly. Whatever
program you choose, it must be through a program that is recognized by
the Alabama Board of Nursing.

In addition to earning your certification within the state, you must
also obtain certification from a national agency that is recognized by
the Alabama Board of Nursing. The Board recognizes several agencies, including the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) ANCC, AANP, PNCB, and the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
In order to earn national certification, you must successfully pass an
exam, delivered by one of the approved agencies, in the area of
specialty you studied for your advanced schooling.

As well as your advanced education, state certification, and national
certification, you must also have had 2–4 years of experience in the
field or in a related area. Nurse practitioners in Alabama earn an
average of $96,000 per year, although this varies based on location and
area of specialty.